Ethiopia Here We Come

After finishing some great training at the MTC on Thursday October 12th, we ran and picked up some last minute Rx that were delayed multiple times. I thought for sure we would have to get meds at some pharmacy in Ethiopia but it's great to see the hand of the Lord in answering our prayers just in time.

We ran home for some final packing. A little rushed since our flight was that very eve. We had arranged a ride with our daughter who had the biggest car in our family. We needed it since we packed over 250 lbs. Those expensive carts at the airport were well worth it. 

Our first flight to Atlanta was only 3 1/2 hours but the layover there was 5 hours. We needed it. Since they couldn't check our bags all the way we had to claim them in one of the domestic terminals, get some more baggage carts, find a bus to the international terminal, get some more baggage carts, and then find the check-in. The first thing they did at check-in was insist on weighing our carry-ons. they were way over the max allowed so we had to go find a spot to add the weight into our large bags and then pay the extra for overweight luggage. We're glad we had our big bags with us to load up and didn't have to check our carry-ons. 

Then we boarded Ethiopian Airlines for a 14 1/2 hour, non-stop flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.    

The flight tracker on the plane was interesting to watch.

Looks like avoid hostile areas and fly where it's the safest.

About to land.

We left on a Thursday and arrived on Saturday. 

Yea. The University Branch President, where we will be attending church greeted us and helped us with our luggage. The mission leaders, President and Sister Cowley were waiting outside with their van. Sister Cowley gave Terry a bouquet of roses. We were so happy and felt warmly welcomed as they stayed the whole day with us. They took us to the office (pictured below), our apartment, shopping and out to lunch. They are from New Zealand. 

First stop - the mission office. Wow, they gave Sister Martin roses. Elder and Sister Woodbury help in the office and a few younger missionaries helped get sim cards in our phones and set up contacts.

Having some lunch.

starting to unpack...

setting up the kitchen...

The next day, our first Sunday was general conference so we stayed in our apartment and watched some. It helped to stay in our new temporary home to try and get over some jet lag.

Monday was Family Home Evening at our mission leaders home. We got to meet all the senior couples in the mission. They are all wonderful. 6 out of the 12 pictured here are from New Zealand.